Amsonia tabernaemontana Walter

Eastern Bluestars; Wide Leaf Bluestars

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Eastern Bluestars is a native herbaceous perennial in the Dogbane family (Apocynaceae). It can be found throughout Alabama. Eastern Bluestars occurs in mesic woodlands, along streams, in low pastures, and on wet roadsides. Eastern Bluestars is a clump forming species, with several stems from a semi-woody rootstock. The stems are green, terete (round in cross section), glabrous, and often glaucous. Stems are from 1-4 feet in height. The stems and leaves exude a white latex when broken. Leaves are alternate, ovate to elliptic in outline, entire, and glabrous. Flowers are produced in terminal panicles or cymes. The corolla is tubular with five triangular spreading lobes. Flower color ranges from deep blue to almost white. There is a yellow or white spot at the throat of the corolla. The fruit is a cylindrical follicle with a single row of barrel-shaped seed. Plants become bright yellow in the autumn adding interest to the fall garden. Eastern Bluestars is commonly available from wildflower nurseries. Several cultivars are available including “Blue Ice”. Eastern Bluestars prefers a moist soil in full or partial sun. It is very deer resistant. Large clumps can be dug and divided in the fall. Plants can also be grown from seed. Eastern Bluestars was chosen by the American Horticultural Society as one of the 75 Great Plants for American Gardens.--A. Diamond

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Native FACW (NWPL)

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